Article
10 Best Cash Back Credit Cards in 2025
Maximize your everyday spending with the best cash back credit cards of 2025. Compare flat-rate, rotating category, and bonus category cards for the highest rewards.
Cash back credit cards return a percentage of your spending as statement credits or deposits. From flat-rate simplicity to high-earning categories, there’s a cash back card that matches your spending habits.
Our team analyzed over 50 cash back credit cards, comparing earning rates, redemption options, and overall value. Here are the 10 best cash back cards for 2025.
Quick Comparison
| Card | Best For | Cash Back | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Wells Fargo Active Cash | Best Overall | 2% on everything | ★4.9/5 |
| 2. Citi Double Cash | Best for Simplicity | 2% (1% + 1%) | ★4.8/5 |
| 3. Chase Freedom Flex | Best Rotating Categories | 5% rotating, 3% dining/drugstores | ★4.8/5 |
| 4. Blue Cash Preferred | Best for Groceries | 6% groceries, 6% streaming | ★4.7/5 |
| 5. Discover it Cash Back | Best First-Year Value | 5% rotating categories | ★4.7/5 |
| 6. Capital One SavorOne | Best for Dining | 3% dining, entertainment, groceries | ★4.6/5 |
| 7. Bank of America Customized Cash | Best for Customization | 3% choice category, 2% groceries | ★4.5/5 |
| 8. Amazon Prime Rewards Visa | Best for Amazon Shoppers | 5% Amazon, 2% restaurants/gas/drugstores | ★4.5/5 |
| 9. U.S. Bank Cash+ | Best for Utilities | 5% two categories, 2% one category | ★4.4/5 |
| 10. PayPal Cashback Mastercard | Best for PayPal Users | 3% PayPal, 2% everything else | ★4.4/5 |
Our Top Picks in Detail
Wells Fargo Active Cash
The Wells Fargo Active Cash combines a straightforward 2% back on everything with no annual fee and surprisingly good perks like cell phone protection.
Pros
- ✓Unlimited 2% on all purchases
- ✓No annual fee
- ✓Low bonus requirement
- ✓Cell phone protection included
- ✓Visa Signature benefits
Cons
- ✗Foreign transaction fee
- ✗No bonus categories
- ✗Requires Wells Fargo relationship for best experience
Citi Double Cash
The Citi Double Cash pioneered the 2% flat-rate category, earning 1% when you buy and 1% when you pay your bill. Simple and effective.
Pros
- ✓Earn twice: 1% at purchase, 1% when paid
- ✓No annual fee
- ✓Can convert to ThankYou Points
- ✓No category tracking
- ✓Cash back never expires
Cons
- ✗Foreign transaction fee
- ✗Must pay balance to earn full 2%
- ✗Higher bonus spending requirement
Chase Freedom Flex
The Freedom Flex offers the best of both worlds: high 5% categories that rotate plus permanent 3% on dining. Pair with Sapphire for even more value.
Pros
- ✓5% on rotating quarterly categories
- ✓3% on dining and drugstores always
- ✓5% on travel via Chase portal
- ✓No annual fee
- ✓Pairs with Sapphire cards
Cons
- ✗5% categories have $1,500 quarterly cap
- ✗Must activate quarterly categories
- ✗Foreign transaction fee
Blue Cash Preferred
For families spending heavily on groceries and streaming, the Blue Cash Preferred's 6% rate can easily earn back the $95 annual fee and much more.
Pros
- ✓6% back at U.S. supermarkets
- ✓6% on select streaming
- ✓3% on transit and gas
- ✓Return protection
- ✓$84 Disney Bundle credit option
Cons
- ✗$95 annual fee
- ✗Grocery 6% capped at $6,000/year
- ✗Amex acceptance limitations
Discover it Cash Back
Discover's first-year Cashback Match doubles everything you earn, meaning you effectively get 10% back on rotating categories and 2% on everything else.
Pros
- ✓First-year Cashback Match (effectively 10%)
- ✓5% quarterly rotating categories
- ✓No annual fee
- ✓No foreign transaction fees
- ✓Free FICO score
Cons
- ✗5% capped at $1,500/quarter
- ✗Must activate quarterly
- ✗Discover less accepted internationally
Capital One SavorOne
The SavorOne offers reliable 3% back on dining, entertainment, and groceries with no caps, no foreign fees, and no annual fee—hard to beat for everyday rewards.
Pros
- ✓3% on dining with no cap
- ✓3% on entertainment
- ✓3% at grocery stores
- ✓No foreign transaction fees
- ✓No annual fee
Cons
- ✗Lower than competitors in some categories
- ✗No 5% categories
- ✗Less robust perks
Bank of America Customized Cash
The Customized Cash lets you pick your highest-earning category each month. With Preferred Rewards, that 3% can become an impressive 5.25%.
Pros
- ✓Choose your 3% category monthly
- ✓2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs
- ✓Preferred Rewards boosts to 5.25%
- ✓No annual fee
- ✓Gas, online shopping, dining, travel options
Cons
- ✗3% category has $2,500 quarterly cap
- ✗Best rates need Preferred Rewards status
- ✗Foreign transaction fee
Amazon Prime Rewards Visa
If you're already a Prime member, the 5% back at Amazon and Whole Foods is unbeatable. The instant $150 bonus upon approval is a nice touch.
Pros
- ✓5% back at Amazon and Whole Foods
- ✓Instant bonus upon approval
- ✓2% at restaurants, gas, drugstores
- ✓No foreign transaction fees
- ✓No annual fee (beyond Prime)
Cons
- ✗Requires Prime membership
- ✗Only 1% on other purchases
- ✗Chase-issued limitations
U.S. Bank Cash+
The Cash+ is unique in offering 5% back on utilities—a category rarely seen. Great for those with high utility bills or streaming subscriptions.
Pros
- ✓5% on utilities (unique category)
- ✓5% on your choice of categories
- ✓2% on an additional category
- ✓No annual fee
- ✓Cell phone insurance option
Cons
- ✗5% categories capped at $2,000/quarter
- ✗Must select categories each quarter
- ✗Limited to U.S. Bank customers initially
PayPal Cashback Mastercard
For heavy PayPal users, this card offers a solid 3% back on all PayPal transactions plus a respectable 2% everywhere else with no annual fee.
Pros
- ✓3% on PayPal purchases
- ✓2% everywhere else
- ✓No category restrictions
- ✓No annual fee
- ✓Unlimited cash back
Cons
- ✗No sign-up bonus
- ✗Requires PayPal use for 3%
- ✗Limited extra perks
How We Evaluate Cash Back Cards
Our evaluation process includes:
Earning Potential
- Cash back rates and structures
- Category caps and limits
- Sign-up bonus value
- Redemption flexibility
Card Value
- Annual fee vs. rewards earned
- Additional perks and protections
- Foreign transaction fees
- APR for those who carry balances
User Experience
- Rewards tracking ease
- Mobile app quality
- Customer service
- Redemption options
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I get a flat-rate or category card?
Flat-rate cards (like 2% on everything) are best for simplicity and consistent spending. Category cards (like 5% on groceries) earn more if you maximize bonus categories. Many people use both.
Is cash back or travel points better?
Cash back offers straightforward value and flexibility. Travel points can offer higher per-point value but require more effort to maximize. Cash back is generally better for casual rewards earners.
Do cash back cards have annual fees?
Many excellent cash back cards have no annual fee. Cards with fees (like Blue Cash Preferred at $95) can still be worthwhile if you spend enough in bonus categories to offset the cost.
How do I redeem cash back?
Most cards offer statement credits, direct deposits, gift cards, or checks. Statement credits and direct deposits typically offer the best value. Some cards let you redeem at checkout.
Will applying for cash back cards hurt my credit?
Each application causes a small, temporary dip (5-10 points). However, responsible card use improves your credit long-term through lower utilization and positive payment history.
What’s the best cash back card for beginners?
The Discover it Cash Back is excellent for beginners with its first-year match doubling all rewards. The Citi Double Cash offers simplicity with consistent 2% back on everything.